FREETOWN, 30 April 2026 — The head of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) Edmond Sylvester Alpha has pushed back against claims that the electoral body determines election outcomes, insisting that only the will of the people decides who leads the country.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Political Parties Liaison Committee in Freetown, the Chief Electoral Commissioner said the Commission’s mandate is strictly to manage and declare results based on votes cast.
“The Commission does not determine winners or manufacture outcomes,” he stated. “It is the people of Sierra Leone who choose their leaders through the ballot, and our role is to transparently reflect that sovereign will.”
Warning Over 2028 Election Readiness
The Commissioner also cautioned that time is already running short to adequately prepare for the 2028 general elections, stressing the need for early action.
He noted that credible polls depend on timely reforms, sufficient funding, institutional coordination, and consistent engagement among stakeholders, adding that the ECSL cannot deliver successful elections in isolation.
Protecting “Hard-Earned” Democratic Progress
Reflecting on the country’s electoral history, the Commissioner highlighted that Sierra Leone has conducted four successive election cycles since 2005—2007, 2012, 2018 and 2023, helping to sustain democratic governance.
He described these achievements as “hard-earned,” warning that maintaining peace and stability requires continued vigilance and collective commitment to democratic principles.
Appeal to Stakeholders
The ECSL chairman urged political parties to uphold peaceful conduct, while calling on the media to ensure accurate and balanced reporting. Civil society groups and religious leaders were encouraged to promote national unity, and the security sector was reminded to remain neutral and professional.
He reiterated his commitment to fairness and impartial engagement, urging all actors to prioritise peace, tolerance, and responsible leadership as preparations begin for the next electoral cycle.
The remarks follow ongoing discussions with international partners and other stakeholders, where electoral reforms and confidence-building measures ahead of the 2028 elections have been key topics.
“Preserving our democratic gains and strengthening public trust in institutions must remain a shared responsibility,” he said.
